Mayor pays tribute to our tireless volunteers

The Waikato district is scattered with people who work tirelessly to make their communities better place to live, work and play through volunteering.

Whether it be through service groups, fire brigades, community newsletters, schools, they go above and beyond to help others.

On Tuesday, 3 October, 32 such people were recognised for their efforts through the Waikato District Council’s Mayoral Community Awards.

In front of a packed house of whanau and friends at Council’s Chambers, award-winners received a certificate, kawakawa tree and a plaque presented to them by Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church.

Mayor Church said that the award-winners play a big part in helping Council achieve its vision of Creating Liveable, Thriving and Connected Communities.

“We cannot achieve that vision alone.  We need to work with our communities to do that,” she said.

“Our award-winners are helping us through the volunteering mahi that they do, and have done, at the grassroots level, right here in the heart of our communities.”

The recipients were selected by our Councillors, Community Boards, and the Mayor herself.

Hailing from all corners of our district, Mayor Church wanted to formally recognise and celebrate these individuals who work behind the scenes, often doing unpaid voluntary work over long periods of time to improve community wellbeing.

In congratulating all the award-winners at the ceremony, Mayor Church shared her appreciation for all that they do.

“You are the strength and fibre of our communities,” she said.

“We sincerely thank you, on behalf of all the people you have served over the years.

“You are stars of the Waikato district, and I sincerely hope you continue to shine brightly in your communities.”

Mayoral Community Award winners for 2023 are:

Tuakau

Margaret “Jae” Semau; Megan and Shane Groom; Tutekiha Tupaea; Dave Barnes

Huntly

Phil Ludwig; Claire Molloy; Red Wootton; James Rawiri

Raglan

Angeline Greensill; Margaret Dillon; Kevin Holmes

Pookeno

Doug and Marion Rowe; Helen Clotworthy

Ngaaruawaahia

Moera Solomon; Lynne Tahana

Te Kauwhata

Glen Whitaker; Rhonda Irvine

Eureka

Sue Edmonds

Gordonton

John Bridgman

Maatangi

Kitty Burton

Mangatangi

Robyn Budd

Meremere

Ben Brown

Naike

Lance and Valencia Hamerton

Onewhero

Wenny Lubbers

Otaua

Kay Vincent

Tamahere

Leo Koppens

Taupiri

Tukukino George

Te Kowhai

Amanda Jongeneel 

Wairamarama

Kate Reese